The electricity went out about 3:40 pm on Thurs-For San Diego, Imperial, lower Orange Counties and even in Baja.

My power went on a little after 11 pm- but many are still without power. It pretty much shut down Lindbergh Field and many places are not open today (no school !). Traffic was a mess yesterday. And, it was a very hot day here- 95+ degrees. So lots of folks hurtin' from the heat.

Kinda made me think about some of the threads here regarding major disasters. The phones still worked, but lots of radio stations were off the air. Those still broadcasting kept folks apprised of situation. Listeners emailed/tweeted helpful info (where to still purchase gasoline, those on oxygen ought to go to a nearby hospital, open shops, problem traffic areas, etc.) which was re-broadcast. I understand there were concerns about looting but most folks used the opportunity to help others or just stop and socialize with neighbors instead. Guess 'laid back' in attitude comes in handy in times of trouble.

They did stress this was not an act of terror but were not entirely sure how two electrical lines supplying Southern Ca could cut out as it did (they use the term "sever" but stressed that this does not mean someone cut the lines).

The electricity went out about 3:40 pm on Thurs-For San Diego, Imperial, lower Orange Counties and even in Baja.

My power went on a little after 11 pm- but many are still without power. It pretty much shut down Lindbergh Field and many places are not open today (no school !). Traffic was a mess yesterday. And, it was a very hot day here- 95+ degrees. So lots of folks hurtin' from the heat.

Kinda made me think about some of the threads here regarding major disasters. The phones still worked, but lots of radio stations were off the air. Those still broadcasting kept folks apprised of situation. Listeners emailed/tweeted helpful info (where to still purchase gasoline, those on oxygen ought to go to a nearby hospital, open shops, problem traffic areas, etc.) which was re-broadcast. I understand there were concerns about looting but most folks used the opportunity to help others or just stop and socialize with neighbors instead. Guess 'laid back' in attitude comes in handy in times of trouble.

They did stress this was not an act of terror but were not entirely sure how two electrical lines supplying Southern Ca could cut out as it did (they use the term "sever" but stressed that this does not mean someone cut the lines).

I read about this last night and grimaced. My younger daughter works near San Diego but lives in Riverside County. She will probably call this evening but my thoughts were with her and those in that large area. The heat-wave in that area has been extraordinary.

In addition to terrorism and accidents, our power grid is also vulnerable to plain old greed and stupidity.

The price of copper has soared in recent years, and I have heard of several cases where thieves stole live power lines right off the poles, and transformers (which are essentially two coils of wrapped wires) out of their substations. I certainly hope that this isn't the case in SoCal, but it is another good reason why the power needed to come back on ASAP -- before thieves took advantage of the outage, and essential components of the system were stolen!

The gods have looked upon Southern Ca most favorably this day. SDG&E (the power company in these parts) have restored most everyone's electrical power- well ahead of the predicted Friday evening/Sat morn they initially predicted.

And, if that isn't enough, while it was 100 degrees here (Poway) yesterday, it's way cooler today- like 80-85 degrees.

So far, folks have taken this in stride. There were lines at the gas pumps this morning. Folks tanking up as they could not do so while power was out. But no crime events occurred.

I kept the refrigerator and freezer closed throughout and did not lose any foodstuffs (I had finished my weekly grocery shopping just hours before the lights went out).

Irene--thanks for the update. I heard on the noon news that there are some areas still without power--and that some of those are in the Yuma AZ area where it is going to be brutally hot today. (well over 100 again)

I hope all power is restored and that there are few/no serious effects from the power outage for anyone.

Irene says--"Cooler in my area."

From your lips to God's ear that our temps will be cooler too. Anything under 100+ will be much appreciated.

Did talk to my younger daughter tonight and learned she was involved in a 3 and 1/2 hour jam in San Diego county. The good news is that power was steady at her Coronado house, hence A/C. She did work today but is totally bush-whacked. She is remaking her career and works long hours every week.

I am pleased this gridlock was short-lived. Infrasture upgrade please.

Second, just in case you're in an emergency situtation in future(e.g. 48+ hours w/o electric), you may wish to acquire the following:

Two good-sized clay pots, one that fits inside the other(preferably, with an inch to an inch and a half to spare between the inside edge of the larger pot and the outside edge of the inner pot), some silly-putty/plumber's putty, and a bag of fine sand.

You first fill the holes in the bottom of each pot, then put about an inch of sand at the bottom of the large pot, then put the smaller of the pots inside the other, then fill the area between the inner and outer pots with sand, right up to the brim.

Next, fill the sand with water, adding more sand as the water compacts what you already put in there.

Once you've done that, place what needs to stay cold inside the inner pot, and cover the whole schmear with a towel; evaporation from the sand will cool the inner pot, often to below 40 F.

Warmest regards-

Hatman

"History records that the moneychangers have used every form of abuse, deceit, intrigue, and violent means possible to maintain their control over governments by controlling money and it's issuance."-- James Madison(1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President